8 Best Mining Money-Making Methods in Old School RuneScape

Mining in Old School RuneScape offers one of the most flexible and scalable ways to generate consistent gold pieces (GP) while training a core skill, and some players even look for ways to buy OSRS gold​ to speed up their progression. Depending on your level, efficiency, and tolerance for attention-intensive gameplay, there are multiple viable money-making paths. Below are eight practical mining methods, organized roughly from early-game to endgame, along with optimization principles that apply across all stages.

1. Lead Ore (Level 25+ Mining)

Lead ore is an accessible early-money maker introduced alongside newer content updates. Despite its low requirement, it offers surprisingly competitive GP rates for minimal effort.

The core strategy is simple: mine lead rocks, bank frequently, and maximize ore-per-hour efficiency. Profit scales heavily with mining level and pickaxe tier. Upgrading from bronze/iron to rune pickaxes significantly increases ore acquisition speed, making this upgrade path essential.

Key boosts include:

· Mining gloves (Mining Guild reward): increases ore yield per rock

· Varrock armor (diary reward): chance to double ore

· Efficient banking routes near accessible mines

With decent setup, players can achieve strong mid-game GP while still training toward higher mining milestones.

 

2. Motherlode Mine (Level 30+ Mining)

The Motherlode Mine is the quintessential semi-AFK method. Located beneath the Dwarven Mines, it revolves around mining pay-dirt, depositing it into a hopper, and collecting processed ores.

While GP per hour is moderate compared to active methods, its appeal lies in:

· Low attention requirement

· Consistent passive resource gain

· Multi-ore outputs (coal, gold, mithril, etc.)

This method is ideal for players multitasking or building early mining levels without intense focus.

 

3. Gem Rocks (Level 40+ Mining)

Gem rocks become profitable once access to the Shilo Village mine is unlocked. Efficiency dramatically improves after completing relevant diaries that unlock the underground mining area.

Important considerations:

· Charged Amulet of Glory increases mining speed

· Higher mining levels reduce downtime per rock

· Banking efficiency determines overall GP/hr

While not the highest earner, gem rocks offer a secondary benefit: a relatively high chance at the mining pet due to fast repeated actions.

 

4. Volcanic Mining (Skilling Boss)

This is one of the highest-tier mining activities. It combines mechanics of mining, combat avoidance, and resource processing within a boss-like encounter.

Players mine resources, refine them into ammunition, and use them to damage the boss. Rewards are split between:

· High XP rates (up to ~100k XP/hr in optimized conditions)

· High GP potential (up to ~2M GP/hr depending on loot focus)

It is one of the most engaging mining activities and represents the peak of skilling-based profit generation.

 

5. Basalt Mining (Level 72+ Mining)

Basalt mining is a niche but stable method used primarily for teleportation resource production. While XP is low, it provides consistent GP (~400k–500k/hr).

Advantages include:

· Low competition

· Very low effort requirement

· No frequent banking due to NPC note exchange

It is best viewed as a relaxed income stream rather than a primary grind.

 

6. Infernal Shale (Level 78+ Mining)

Infernal shale introduces a more advanced processing loop. Players mine ore, crush it, and sell refined materials used in higher-tier equipment crafting.

Key characteristics:

· Moderate GP (~250k–600k/hr depending on method)

· Higher risk area with hostile enemies nearby

· Low but steady demand due to endgame gear usage

This method is better suited for players seeking variety rather than peak efficiency.

 

7. Rune Ore Mining (Level 85+ Mining)

Rune ore mining is a classic high-level money maker. Despite competition from bots and other players, it remains profitable due to strong item value.

Best locations include:

· Mining Guild (fast respawn, high competition)

· Sailing-access mines (more isolated spots)

· Elven and deep mines with banking access

With optimal world-hopping and timing control, players can exceed 1M GP/hr, making this one of the strongest traditional mining methods.

 

8. Amethyst Crystals (Level 92+ Mining)

Amethyst mining is the ultimate AFK high-level option. It sacrifices speed for stability and ease of play.

Benefits:

· Extremely low click intensity

· Consistent GP (~300k/hr)

· Useful for crafting endgame ammunition (arrows/darts)

While not the most profitable, it is one of the most sustainable long-term methods, especially for extended sessions.

 

Final Strategy Overview

Mining profitability in Old School RuneScape scales across three axes: attention, level, and efficiency, and many players ultimately look for ways to supplement their progress with cheap OSRS gold. Early-game methods like lead ore focus on accessibility, mid-game options like Motherlode Mine emphasize AFK progression, and endgame content like rune ore or volcanic mining delivers peak GP/hr.

The optimal approach is not to rely on a single method, but to rotate based on focus level, account progression, and market conditions. Players who adapt their mining strategy dynamically will consistently outperform those who rigidly stick to one method.